One of the best aspects of someone interested in holistic living is that they want the same excellent quality of life for everyone they love, and that includes their pets.
Fortunately, there have been some good advances in holistic veterinary products and there are many available to choose from.  Below, you will find just a few of the natural product suggestions for pets.

Skin Care

Many of our furry friends suffer from dry flaky coats, or oily skin, or overgrowth of yeast, or excessive shedding.  Some dogs have problems with flea infestations. 

All of these skin problems point to internal issues:  a dog with a healthy inside tends to manifest it on the outside.  Maintain proper skin health with a well balanced diet and supplementation with essential fatty acids for optimum skin health.  Pets that are deficient in EFAs, specifically omega-3 manifest more red, dry or itching skin and shed excessively.  Use pharmaceutical grade fish oil – dogs love the taste.  Fish oil also protects dog’s joints.

Dogs with healthy coats should not need baths often unless they are rolling in the mud.  If your dog is dirty, though, you want to bath him/her with a shampoo that gently cleans dirt, oil and sebum and is environmentally friendly.  Try to avoid sodium laurel sulfate.

Joint Health

Dogs and cats, being mammals just like we are, can suffer from arthritis the same way a human can.  It can be debilitating and affect your pet’s quality of life.  Many pets, just like people, have been put on anti-inflammatory medication, but this may cause liver and stomach problems.

Fortunately, there are great products available that improve joint health without the unwanted side effects of anti-inflammatories.  Look for joint supplements that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, anti-inflammatory herbs, and antioxidants.  Vitamin C is very helpful in joint health, as well as MSM.

Dental Health

There is a reason why they call it dog breath: dental disease and gingivitis in dogs stinks! If dogs were eating the same diet their wild ancestors were eating, then we would see a much lower incidence of gum disease and halitosis. However, this is not the case.

To maintain fresh breath in your dog, try products that maintain a natural balance in saliva or brushless toothpaste, both of which reduce plaque and tartar and bad breath.

Pet Treats

Giving your pet a treat increases the human-animal bond and it just feels good.  So why not give a treat that is going to benefit your pet’s health?  There are treats available that boost immune health, joint health, and dental health.  Simply find what benefits your pet the best, and give that.